Environmental Justice & Sustainability
Building a healthier, more resilient future
We focus on environmental justice and sustainability, supporting communities most impacted by environmental harm while advancing long-term solutions that benefit the entire region.
Guided by the belief that human well-being is inseparable from the health of our environment, we invest in community-driven solutions that restore natural systems, support regional sustainability, and expand equitable access to healthy, resilient spaces.
We are especially committed to communities bearing the greatest burden of environmental harm — and to creating conditions where both people and nature can flourish, today and for generations to come.
Our Grantmaking within Environmental Justice & Sustainability
Environmental Wellbeing
We support access to healthy, sustainable food and address environmental factors of food insecurity.
What this looks like in action
Expanding opportunities for impact through continued development of resources and partnerships include:
- Continued investment in RENEW, our initiative supporting environmental improvements in Monroe county.
- Expanding environmental programs across the region, including rural communities.
- Supporting projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
- Partnering with organizations and collaboratives working on climate and sustainability solutions.
About our Environmental Justice & Sustainability Initiative, RENEW
RENEW (Rochester ENergy Efficiency and Weatherization) is a collective-impact initiative at Rochester Area Community Foundation. It brings together community partners across housing, weatherization, environmental health, data, and sustainable heating and cooling to serve income-eligible homeowners across Monroe, Genesee, and Orleans counties. RENEW sets out to improve residential energy efficiency, health, and safety through upgrades such as insulation, high-efficiency heating systems (furnaces and heat pumps), and urgent health/safety repairs (e.g., electrical panels and sewer lines).
- Impact & Results:
- Over 1,050 home projects completed.
- 21% average reduction in home fuel usage.
- Over 12,600 tons of carbon emissions eliminated.
- Improved resident health outcomes, including 100% reported symptom reduction among clients with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Get Involved
Building a sustainable future takes collective action.